George H. Crosby Manitou

George H. Crosby Manitou SP https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00163#homepage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_H._Crosby_Manitou_State_Park George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is located between Tettegouche State Park and Temperance River State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior, near the communities of Little Marais and Finland in Minnesota. It is situated on the Manitou River and was intentionally left largely undeveloped. The park contains numerous wildlife species such as timber wolf, black bear, moose, peregrine falcon, golden eagle, raccoon, Canadian lynx, kestrel, snowshoe hare, beaver, bald eagle, white-tailed deer, hawk, fisher, marten, grouse, red squirrel, Canada jay, and species of bats. Because the park is undeveloped, Crosby Manitou State Park contains many undisturbed miles of fir, cedar, spruce, and northern hardwoods. The river itself has cataracts to the north of the park, and Bensen Lake sits across the southwest ridge of the river valley.

MAP AND GUIDE: GEORGE H. CROSBY MANITOU STATE PARK C/O TETTEGOUCHE STATE PARK 5702 HIGHWAY 61 SILVER BAY, MN 55614 LAKE COUNTY 218-353-8800 CROSBY-MANITOU.STATEPARK@STATE.MN.US ABOUT THE PARK SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a unique wilderness state park. The rugged landscape and remote hike-in campsites allow backpackers to get away from the crowds and into the wilds of northern Minnesota. Trails are carved through a forest of fir, cedar, spruce and northern hardwoods that are home to moose, deer, bear and wolves. The park’s non-motorized Benson Lake offers paddlers a Boundary Waters-like environment. Anglers can cast a line for trout (brown, rainbow and brook) and splake (a hybrid of brook and lake trout). The landscape became a state park when it was donated by George H. Crosby, a mining magnate, in 1955. A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS AVAILABLE AT MNDNR.GOV. • Be aware that cell phone service is spotty in the park. • This park is not continuously staffed. • Campsites are for campers only. • All garbage is pack-in/pack-out. Please take your garbage home and practice "Leave No Trace." • In an emergency call 911, find cell phone reception in the town of Finland. ONLY HAVE AN HOUR? 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. VEHICLE PERMITS Permits required; purchase at entrance kiosk. PETS WELCOME Keep on leash; pick up after; attend at all times; not allowed in buildings or beaches. Hike to the Cascades of the Manitou River for a stunning view. VISITOR TIPS • The park landscape is rugged and hilly, plan accordingly. PARK OPEN TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS Benson Lake Trail 1-mile loop Mostly flat • Bare dirt • Boardwalk Take a hike around Benson Lake for great scenery along one of the easier park trails. You could also spend an afternoon fishing or launch a non-motorized boat on the lake. Relax at the picnic area afterwards. Cascades Waterfall 1 mile one-way Steep terrain • Bare dirt • Rock • Stairs Experience rocky footing down the Middle Trail. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the cascades and Manitou River. Return the way you came. Humpback Trail (Hiking Club Trail) 1.6 miles one-way Steep terrain • Bare dirt • Rock Hike to a wide view of the valley and then down a steep, curvy path to the Manitou River Trail. From there, you will have access to the Cascades. Return the way you came. Misquah Trail (Overlook) 1 mile one-way Steep terrain • Bare dirt • Rock From the parking lot, hike the Yellow Birch Trail to the Misquah Trail. Take that north about 0.2 miles, then go east to the spur trail for a spectacular view of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains. • It’s easy to get your canoe or kayak into non-motorized Benson Lake. Paddle for the beauty or try to catch a trout (license and stamp required). MORE TO EXPLORE HELP PRESERVE THE PARK • Hike to overlooks on the Middle Trail or Matt Willis Trail. • Help keep the park clean by bringing a bag to pack out your trash. • Find stunning fall colors on the Yellow Birch Trail. • In winter, bring your snowshoes on the ungroomed Benson Lake Trail or Middle Trail. • Winter parking is located at the registration kiosk. LOOKING FOR MORE TO EXPLORE DURING YOUR STAY? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/CROSBYMANITOU • Discover the Superior Hiking Trail with access to Caribou Wayside and Caribou Falls. • Fish for trout on the Manitou River or Benson Lake (license and stamp required). campground during quiet hours. FIREWOOD • Take a stroll around the Benson Lake Boardwalk and finish up with a picnic at the picnic area. • Enjoy the Cascades of the Manitou River after a gorgeous hike through a rugged landscape. QUIET HOURS − CAMPGROUND 10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in • Please respect the abundant wildlife found at the park. • Camp only in designated sites and make sure you have a reservation. • Campers should be prepared for backcountry camping. We recommend using a bear can or hanging food. • Take only photos and leave only footprints. • Following state park rules allows everyone to enjoy their experience at George H. Crosby Manitou. Must be purchased at this park or from vendors who sell wood approved for this park; firewood collection allowed in backpack camping areas only. BE OUR GUEST Get a true wilderness experience with a stay in one of the park’s 21 remote backpacking campsites. Visit mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757 to reserve your site. WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FISHING REGULATIONS? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/FISHMN MORE INFORMATION Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Information Center 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This information may be available in alternative format upon request.